PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube DAC

Description

About the PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube DAC

The PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube DAC has USB, coaxial, optical and AES/EBU inputs allowing it to accommodate compatible computers, streamers and disc transports. Inside, a Burr-Brown PCM1792A converter works alongside SRC4192 processing and PrimaLuna’s distinctive SuperTubeClock.

Its stereo RCA output provides a fixed line-level signal. Your amplifier handles volume, while the EVO 100 concentrates on converting digital sources into analogue audio

 

 

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→ What We Think About The PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube DAC

The EVO 100 is worth considering when you already have an amplifier and want to explore a different approach to digital playback. It makes particular sense for listeners who enjoy comparing source components through a familiar system.

We like the clear division of responsibilities. Keep your streamer or disc transport for browsing and playback, connect it digitally to the PrimaLuna, and use your existing amplifier for volume control.

Its valve circuitry also makes it an interesting audition alongside a solid-state amplifier. You do not need an entirely valve-based system to consider it.

Check compatibility before choosing connections. The fixed output requires downstream volume control, and the amplifier’s input impedance should suit the DAC. Give the chassis adequate ventilation and enough shelf depth for cables.

 

→ Suggested System Match

The EVO 100 can be used with either valve or solid-state amplification. Choose an amplifier with a suitable line input and volume control, then assess the pairing with familiar music.

Its published output impedance is 2.7kΩ, so input matching deserves attention. A relatively high amplifier input impedance is preferable; ask Rapallo to check your existing equipment if you are unsure.

For separates, the EVO 400 preamplifier provides RCA inputs for the DAC and connects onward to your power amplifier. Use the normal RCA line inputs for this connection.

Recommended With This Product

• PrimaLuna EVO 400 Tube Integrated Amplifier: Combines volume control and speaker amplification for a straightforward system.
• PrimaLuna EVO 400 Tube Preamplifier: Provides source selection and volume control in a separates system.
• Compatible Network Transport: Supplies digital music while the EVO 100 handles conversion.
• CD Transport: Connect through an appropriate coaxial, optical or AES/EBU output.
• 75Ω Coaxial Digital Cable: Suitable for the coaxial RCA input.
• 110Ω AES/EBU Digital Cable: The appropriate cable type for the digital XLR input.
• Stereo RCA Interconnects: Connect the DAC’s analogue output to your amplifier.
• Ventilated Equipment Support: Provides space for the chassis, valves and rear connections.

 

 

The PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube DAC Is Ideal For:

• Listeners upgrading the conversion stage of an existing digital system
• CD collectors using a transport or compatible digital output
• Computer audio systems
• Streamer owners wanting an external DAC
• Systems with an integrated amplifier or separate preamplifier
• Listeners interested in valve analogue circuitry
• Buyers who prefer straightforward source selection
• PrimaLuna owners building a coordinated system

 

What the Reviewers Say

The Absolute Sound | Vade Forrester

“powerful dynamics, oodles of detail, and a warm, enjoyable tone.”

Forrester praises the EVO 100’s engaging presentation and value. He describes strong dynamics and harmonic detail, while acknowledging that a more expensive comparison DAC offered greater extension at the frequency extremes. +read more

StereoNET | James Michael Hughes

“It’s actually very neutral and true-to-life.”

Hughes finds the presentation less overtly warm than expected. His review highlights fluidity, coherent timing and the DAC’s ability to make everyday recordings enjoyable. +read more

Hi-Fi+ | Alan Sircom

“This is one of the nicest, most effortless sounding DACs out there, but not in a veiled way.”

Sircom emphasises refinement, spatial presentation and long-session listening appeal. He also notes the deliberately simple operation and fixed RCA output. +read more

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does the PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube DAC do?
   It converts a compatible digital audio signal into analogue stereo audio. Connect a digital source to the DAC, then connect its RCA outputs to a line input on your amplifier or preamplifier.
2. Is the EVO 100 a music streamer?
   It receives digital audio from another device. A separate streamer supplies network playback, app control and streaming-service access.
3. Can I connect a CD player or CD transport?
   Yes, provided it has a compatible digital output. Coaxial and optical are common options. The PrimaLuna then performs conversion in place of the CD player’s internal DAC.
4. Can it connect to a computer?
   Yes, through USB. The manual specifies a Windows USB audio driver and driver-free operation with compatible Mac systems. Check current operating-system support when setting up.
5. Does it support DSD?
   USB supports DSD64 and DSD128 through DoP, while the other digital inputs are specified for DSD64 through DoP. Your source must support the appropriate output format.
6. What does DoP mean?
   DoP means DSD over PCM. It packages DSD data within a PCM-compatible transport format. A compatible DAC recognises that packaging and retrieves the DSD data.
7. Does it support 192kHz over optical?
   PrimaLuna’s documents differ. The general product page states 192kHz across all inputs, but the detailed manual specifies 176.4kHz for optical. Use USB, coaxial or AES/EBU for a clearly specified 192kHz connection.
8. Does the EVO 100 have volume control?
   Its output is fixed-level. Use an integrated amplifier, preamplifier or another suitable downstream device with volume control.
9. Can I connect it directly to a power amplifier?
   It is intended to feed an integrated amplifier or preamplifier. A conventional power amplifier without input-level control requires a separate volume-control stage between it and this DAC.
10. Does the XLR connection provide balanced analogue output?
    The XLR socket is an AES/EBU digital input. Analogue output is through the stereo RCA pair, so an XLR analogue interconnect cannot provide a balanced output connection.
11. Can it work with a solid-state amplifier?
    Valve amplification is not required downstream. Check that the amplifier’s line-input impedance is suitable, then connect the DAC through RCA and compare the pairing with familiar music.
12. Does it have a headphone socket?
    Headphones require a separate headphone amplifier or a suitable headphone output on your main amplifier. The EVO 100 supplies the analogue source signal.
13. What makes this a tube DAC?
    Valves are used in the analogue circuitry, power-supply rectification and clock oscillator. Digital conversion itself uses semiconductor chips. The term describes the valve stages surrounding the conversion process.
14. Does it need time to warm up?
    The manual specifies an approximately 60-second muted start-up period while the valves warm up. Provide ventilation and switch the unit off when it is no longer required.

 

Key Features

Dedicated Valve Analogue Stages

The EVO 100 uses two 12AX7 and two 12AU7 tubes, with dedicated valves for each channel. These form part of its analogue circuitry, giving the DAC a substantial valve-based output section.

Dual 5AR4 Tube Rectification

Two 5AR4 rectifier tubes serve the power supplies. This extends PrimaLuna’s use of valves beyond the audio stages and forms an important part of the converter’s dual-mono construction.

Distinctive SuperTubeClock Technology

PrimaLuna’s SuperTubeClock incorporates a miniature triode into the clock oscillator. It is an unusual approach to digital timing, designed to provide a clean clock signal for the conversion process.

Burr-Brown Digital Conversion

A Texas Instruments Burr-Brown PCM1792A handles digital-to-analogue conversion, supported by SRC4192 sample-rate conversion. The combination provides the digital foundation for the EVO 100’s valve analogue circuitry.

Four Digital Input Options

USB-B, coaxial RCA, optical Toslink and AES/EBU connections accommodate several types of digital source. You can keep a computer, streamer and compatible disc transport connected, then select the required input.

High-Resolution PCM and DSD Playback

The EVO 100 supports PCM playback up to 192kHz through its specified USB, coaxial and AES/EBU connections. USB also accepts DSD64 and DSD128 through DoP, provided the source is configured appropriately.

Substantial Power-Supply Engineering

Dedicated channel circuitry, extensive regulation and isolation between digital and analogue sections underpin the design. PrimaLuna specifies eleven separate regulation circuits, reflecting the attention given to the power supply.

AC Offset Killer Circuit

PrimaLuna includes its AC Offset Killer to address mechanical transformer noise associated with DC offset on the mains. This complements the transformer and power-supply design in a component intended for quiet listening environments.

Remote Input Selection and Muting

The supplied remote handles source selection, muting and display settings. These everyday functions are available from your chair, while listening volume remains controlled by your integrated amplifier or preamplifier.

Clear Displays and Substantial Construction

Separate displays show input and incoming sample-rate information. The approximately 13kg chassis provides a substantial physical platform, while the familiar PrimaLuna styling complements the company’s amplifiers and preamplifiers.

 

Specifications

Brand: PrimaLuna
Model: EVO 100 Tube DAC
Manufacturer Model Designation: EVO 100-9
Product Type: Digital-to-analogue converter
DAC Chip: Texas Instruments Burr-Brown PCM1792A
Sample-Rate Conversion Chip: Texas Instruments Burr-Brown SRC4192
Clock: PrimaLuna SuperTubeClock
Signal Tubes: 2 × 12AX7 and 2 × 12AU7
Rectifier Tubes: 2 × 5AR4
Additional Clock Valve: Miniature triode
USB Input: 1 × USB-B
Coaxial Input: 1 × RCA, 75Ω
Optical Input: 1 × Toslink
AES/EBU Input: 1 × XLR, 110Ω
USB Operation: Asynchronous USB Audio Class 2.0
PCM Conversion: Up to 24-bit/192kHz
Coaxial/AES PCM Support: Up to 24-bit/192kHz
Optical PCM Support: Up to 24-bit/176.4kHz according to the manual
USB DSD Support: DSD64 and DSD128 via DoP
Other Inputs’ DSD Support: DSD64 via DoP
Analogue Output: 1 × stereo RCA pair
Output Type: Fixed line level
Published Output Level: 2.2V
Output Impedance: 2.7kΩ
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: At least 90dB
Channel Separation: At least 80dB
Volume Control: No
Headphone Output: No
Balanced Analogue Output: No
Network Streaming: No
Bluetooth: No
Remote Control: Included
Remote Functions: Input selection, mute and display settings
Maximum Power Consumption: 55W
Finish Options: Black or silver front panel
Dimensions: Approximately 280mm W × 190mm H × 403mm D
Weight: 13kg

Dimensions/Specifications above follow the current manufacturer product page.

 

Why Buy From Rapallo

✔ Advice on matching a DAC to your existing amplifier
✔ Help choosing the correct digital connection
✔ Guidance on streamer and disc-transport compatibility
✔ Practical PCM and DSD setup advice
✔ Assistance with suitable interconnects
✔ Advice on placement and ventilation
✔ New Zealand-based system support
✔ Contact us for stock, finish and demonstration availability